Introduction
KO Kickoff is a fast-paced social sports game where power meets precision. Players don boxing gloves, punch the ball (and their rivals), and score stunning goals in a mysterious canyon stadium.
Originally built as our first full Horizon Worlds project, KO Kickoff quickly gained traction with players and recognition from Meta — winning Best Social Experience in the Meta Horizon Creator Competition.
In 2025, we released the Power-Up Update, introducing XP progression, unlockable gloves, and MVP highlights. This update not only deepened player engagement but also demonstrated Byten21’s ability to iterate quickly and deliver meaningful new features without compromising performance.
The Challenge
Our goals for KO Kickoff were clear:
- Create a mobile-friendly, fast-loading sports game with a unique twist.
- Make the punch mechanic feel as natural and satisfying as a physical hit.
- Build clean, responsive UI that works on small screens.
- Ensure the experience is social at its core — fun to watch, play, and share.
For the Power-Up Update, we needed to:
- Introduce long-term progression without making the game grindy.
- Keep the game’s arcade simplicity while adding new layers of reward.
- Deliver all this while maintaining smooth performance on mobile devices.
Solution
We approached KO Kickoff in two phases — original launch and Power-Up Update — each focused on balancing instant fun with lasting engagement.
Phase 1: Launch Version
- Custom Punch Detection System – Built in Horizon Worlds TypeScript V2 to ensure responsive glove–ball interaction even under network latency.
- Dynamic Camera – Tracks the ball with fixed rotation for easy play on mobile, avoiding disorientation.
- Spectator-Friendly Lobby – Players can watch matches, see leaderboards, and take selfies with rivals.
- Event Moments – Fireworks, confetti, and cinematic flyovers celebrate match winners.
Phase 2: Power-Up Update
- XP Progression Loop – Players earn XP for goals and wins.
- Unlockable Gloves – Each with unique visuals, VFX, and SFX (e.g., fiery glove with explosive punch).
- MVP Highlights – Post-match stats for MVP, Most Goals, and Most KOs, encouraging brag-worthy moments.
- Lobby Upgrades – Glove display stand and progression-based leaderboard.
- Rebuilt Core Systems – More efficient scripting, improved camera dynamics, and optimised UI scaling.
Results
Awards & Recognition
- 🏆 Best Social Experience – Meta Horizon Creator Competition: Mobile Genre Showdown
- 🏆 Best Leaderboard – Meta Horizon Creator Competition: Elevate Your Mobile World
Performance & Player Engagement
- Increased repeat play sessions after progression update.
- Longer average match-to-match playtime as players aimed to level up.
- Positive community feedback on smooth controls, unique mechanics, and visual style.
Technical Wins
- Stable FPS even with multiple players, ball physics, and high particle effects.
- Reusable scripts and systems for future Byten21 projects.
Why It Matters
KO Kickoff showcases Byten21’s ability to:
- Deliver award-winning gameplay on emerging platforms.
- Combine creative design with technical precision.
- Design games that are fun now and rewarding later — the core of long-term player engagement.
For brands and partners, it’s proof we can create experiences that players love, remember, and share — while meeting tight technical and creative requirements.
Byten21 is a London-based creative production studio creating branded games and interactive worlds for brands in Meta Horizon Worlds. We develop immersive campaigns, multiplayer social games, and virtual experiences that connect global audiences with brand stories.
Looking for Horizon Worlds game development for your brand? Let’s talk.